Inspirations

It is so important to take some time out of your busy lifestyle for yourself. A wellness holiday allows you to maintain, promote or kickstart a wellness lifestyle while also exploring a new destination. Anna travelled to Canyon Ranch, Tucson. Anna felt rejuvenated in a short time and picked up many tips to contribute to a healthy lifestyle when back home.

Wellness travel might have once been a niche trend but the ever-growing popularity of hotel programs, retreats, and specialists make it clear: The category is here to stay. “The wellness travel sector continues to grow at a rapid pace,” says Martha Good, an Austin-based Virtuoso advisor. “People’s daily lives are consumed by emails, text messages, social media, and the strain of juggling work and personal responsibilities, leaving little time to focus on their well-being. They want a trip that allows them to return home feeling fresh, rested, and rejuvenated. Many trips are now centered around spiritual, emotional, or physical well-being.” The best retreats work with guests to identify issues...

Lionel explored Sri Lanka with Island Destinations. This small but very diverse country offers a wealth of experiences, whether it be the colonial fort town of Galle, the tea plantations in the inland hills, or the surf beaches. The highlights for him were the Tea Trails lodges and Amangalla.

Tallinn is one of northern Europe’s historical gems, with a well preserved Old Town encircled by City Walls.  Gothic houses and spired churches add unique character to it’s narrow streets. In 1997 UNESCO listed Tallinn as a World Heritage Site. Pictured is the Kadriorg Palace Art Museum. Peter the Great conquered Tallinn in 1710 and built the palace for his wife Empress Catherine. Kadriorg is Estonian for Catherine’s Valley.

During a recent visit to Spain, we explored several of the Moorish hilltowns including Arcos de la Frontera and Ronda, 2 of the most beautiful and spectacular of the Pueblos Blancos (white towns) of Andalucia. Along with Granada and it's awe-inspiring Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, we explored so many lovely smaller towns in the region. Among the highlights, Seville with the mazes of streets, the Real Alcazar and Cathedral and stunning setting on the river.